Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Keep the California sunshine and address, skip the coastal rents by heading inland.
1. Bakersfield: Best value overall
2. Fresno: Best for jobs
3. Stockton: Best Bay Area access
4. Modesto: Best central value
5. San Bernardino: Best Inland Empire value
6. Riverside: Best for SoCal access
7. Sacramento: Best capital value
8. Chico: Best small city
California is famous for high costs, but inland and Central Valley cities are far more affordable than the coast while keeping the climate and amenities. You trade ocean proximity and longer commutes for real savings. Here are the 8 cheapest places to live in California that still offer jobs and lifestyle, ranked by value.